New System, Complete Newbie at this... Help Appreciated!

[Emaxx3]

Greetings to all! First the standard intro: I am a complete newbie in terms of home theater and all that goes with it. I am a 26 yr old married guy with a 3 ½ year old daughter. We are moving to our new home at the end of August so I have been researching my first big screen purchase. There is a whole lot more to all this than I first thought. I have been researching a ton and have decided on the following items, but really would value your input. I have been lurking for a few weeks learning all I can.

I will NOT buy something without hearing and seeing it first, so that removes a lot of options regarding internet only sales… ie Axiom. I need it all, so here is my list.

I have a total budget of $8000 (wife imposed). I want to buy locally (I live in Phoenix Metro Area so lots of local retailers available). My room is 16 x 16 x 10 high. The room opens to the kitchen in the back. I have two large windows (south facing and they are shaded by a large patio cover) on one side wall. Floor is thick carpet. We watch mainly TV (network shows, and sports), 30% for movies, 10% music, 5% video games. I will be getting COX cable (with DVR box and High Def programming.) Looked at Dish and Direct but the initial $$$ scared me off.

Here is what I am looking at getting from Ultimate Electronics: Price is with included discounts:
Mitsubishi 62” DLP (67275): $3000
Klipsch Reference 35s (Fronts): $450 each (a little bright on the highs,probably can tame with settings on the receiver.)
Klipsch Reference RC35 (Center): $360
Klipsch R2650C (rears, in ceiling for WAF): $153 each
Klipsch RW10 (Sub): $400
Yamaha RXV1500 (receiver) $720 (I want to put speakers in the outside patio someday)
TV Stand: $270
Harmony Remote 880: $100 (they are giving me $150 credit on the remote as I am buying a whole system)
Panasonic S77S DVD player: $237 (do I really need a $200+ dvd player???)
Monster HDMI Cable : $150 (holy cow!!! I need to buy the stupid cord separate?)
Monster Sub Cable: $40
Fiber Audio Link: $60 (another “cord” for the DVD Player?!?)
Power Center Monster MKII: $150 (So much for a $5 power strip…. Well I want to protect the new equipment don’t I???)
Tax and delivery puts me at $7250
I’ll get some Home Depot speaker cable for the two fronts. (Pre-wired the house up high… stupid (I thought I’d get some cute BOSE cubes))

I also liked some POLK Audio Speakers from Frys
RTi10s for the front ($500 each)
CSi5 center (approx. $500 bucks)
Rears: some cheapies for the ceiling.
Sub: possibly from Velodyne.
I also was looking at the Pioneer VSX-1015TX at BB. Not bad for $500.

Please let me know what you all think of my choices. I have listened to a bunch of stuff. I kind of liked the Definitive Technology floor standing speakers ($750 each). However, I wonder how they would work in my home.

I am planning to go put down 30% on the TV tonight to hold it for me as the new DLP TVs are coming out and the old ones are not being reordered. I want to save the grand.

This is a lot of coin to watch TV. Hope I love it. (I think my BB special 20” something TV / VCR combo will get retired to the exercise room.) Shouldn’t get much use there!!!

Thanks for reading! Please provide your thoughts.

Jon

edit: as I cannot spell

 

[Spiffyfast]

DO NOT LET THEM SELL YOU MONSTER CABLE ANYTHING!!!! You can do just as good spending a 1/3 of what they charge, other than the surge protector/power conditioner they're ripping you off (even that you can get something comperable for less money). If you like the sound of Klipsch go with it those sound like normal prices, sounds like it will be a killer system when it's all said and done. With the TV it might be worth it to look at the new 1080p units that are just starting to come out, but for that price that will be an awesome tv. With the money that you can save on the cables by not going with monster cable, think about getting the RXV-2500 receiver.

 

[jaxvon]

Wow! Welcome to the forum. Glad you've been doing research.

It really likes you've got a killer system put together. If the Klipsch seem a little bright, you might want to check out some other brands. There are so, SO many options that it's incredibly hard to decide. I'll list off a few, you may or may not go look at them, but it's a good starting place (and this is just as the names come to me, one is not better than the other):

Morduant Short
Phase Technology (these have soft dome tweeters, not hard domes like many speakers)
PSB
Paradigm
B&W

There are of course, many more. I'm a big fan of Phase Tech (see my review in the "Write Your Own Review" section to read my ravings). I'm not personally a fan of bright speakers (like Klipsch), but you might like them. I do have a beef with the Klipsch sub. I don't think it will perform as well as you'd like. If you're completely against internet sales, then I would say try to budget for a Velodyne. They make awesome subwoofers that happen to come in good looking, small enclosures. It's hard to go wrong with a Velodyne.

Also, must you buy Monster Cable stuff? You can find much more inexpensive cabling options that will perform as good or better. The same goes for the Monster Power bar. I would recommend a Tripp-Lite HT-10DBS or HTPOWERBAR10. Both can be had for well under MSRP from J&R.

I think you've made the right choice on the TV. If it were going to be mostly movies, then a projector would be a better option. But seeing how you're going to be watching cable most of the time, and the fact that you have big windows, a projector would be unreasonable.

Good job for balking at the Monster prices. They really rip you off. Of course, that's not as bad as $23k speaker cables....but that's another rant altogether.

I'm not sure on the DVD player. It looks like a good unit, but when you're dropping $200+ on a player, I think it should be universal (as in play SACDs too). There are some other players in this price range that will play any disc your drop into it.

Any other questions? Or care to restate the ones I didn't answer out of laziness ?

 

[Xsound]

I agree with spiff. Don't buy the monster cable junk. Check out parts-express.com (remove the dash before express when you type it in.) Sound King and dayton offer good quality cables. I also agree about taking the money saved and upgrading to the 2500. It really does sound like a killer system.

 

[mulester7]

I agree with spiff. Don't buy the monster cable junk. Check out parts-express.com (remove the dash before express when you type it in.) Sound King and dayton offer good quality cables. I also agree about taking the money saved and upgrading to the 2500. It really does sound like a killer system.

....I sometimes go to Radio Shack and see the Monster cables in blister-packs at three-to-four times the price the content of the blister-packs warrant....I then shake my head and get back to why I am in the store that day......

 

[Emaxx3]

All,
Thanks for the advice on the Monster Cables. I will also look closer at the Tripp-Lite HT-10DBS... hopefully I can find it locally. I'll also take a look at Frys to see if I can find less expensive interconnects. Some more research on these boards will also help me I am sure.

Xsound... that site you recommend has kille prices on HDMI cables. I can get them for a ton less. I need to research if it is better to get the signiture series. These are still waaaaaaay cheaper than the monster brand. Thanks!

jaxvon... can you elaborate on your experience with the Klipsch subs? I kind of figured (ignorantly) that a sub is a sub. $400-500 bucks will get you pretty similar sound and performance. Is there a Velodyne sub that you would recommend? Model number would be most helpful. Other options that I can pick up at a local store are also appreciated.

I am still balking at the DVD player and interconnects. They are trying to psh me toward a player that has "up-coversion". If I go this route I need the HDMI cable. Will I get that much better performance out of the DVD player than a $50 progressive scan cheapie at Ultimate Electronics? The cheapie also includes the cables... not HDMI.
Perhaps a DVD player / burner would be a better option.

Also, as this is the speaker forum, would the Polks be better than the Klipsch for the cash? Kinda go back and forth on this one. As I have to got to two different stores to hear them I loose the comparison ability. Any thoughts?

Seems a couple think it would be better to go with the RXV-2500 over the RXV-1500... I may just do that (only a few extra hundred $$$). Main benefits???

Finally, I bought the TV last night. Ultimate will beat any price for the same model for 60 days. With the new models rolling out, I will be watching the ads to see if I can save even more.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Will I get that much better performance out of the DVD player than a $50 progressive scan cheapie at Ultimate Electronics? The cheapie also includes the cables... not HDMI.

You probably wouldn't notice in a double blind test. Go for the cheapie. You can always upgrade later.

Also, as this is the speaker forum, would the Polks be better than the Klipsch for the cash? Kinda go back and forth on this one. As I have to got to two different stores to hear them I loose the comparison ability. Any thoughts?

I own the RTi10's. They are 4 ohm speakers when using the jumpers. The receivers you are looking at won't power them properly IMO. Ask the rep at your local A/V store to test them with a $10 multi-meter from Radio Shack. They have dual binding posts, and test out at 4 ohms when jumped. Polks vs Klipsch are on different continents in comparison. You can always tame a horn tweeter, but you can't add dB without adding a separate amp. I'm driving my RTi10's with a Denon 3805, and I'm in the market for a separate amp to drive the bass. Just a heads up there.

Seems a couple think it would be better to go with the RXV-2500 over the RXV-1500... I may just do that (only a few extra hundred $$$). Main benefits???

The benefits are this unit will probably by in your household for a very long time, and to spend a few hundred to get Yamaha's top "entry level" unit is well worth the money. It's an excellent choice. There's a great review here at Audioholics. You should also consider the new Pioneer 9100 and 9300. I think the 9100 is similar to the 1015. If you go with the Klipsch, the Pioneer 1015 will be fine driving them. Very sensitive speakers. You may get more bass out of the Yamaha, though.

As far as subs, go for a 12" Velodyne if budget permits. They are all well made units. The DPS 12 is nice, as is the DLS-4000R.

Interconnects? 12 or 14ga speaker wire from Home Depot, as well as the component/rca/coax cables. RCA Corp makes some nice component cables for around $13 in 6' lengths at Home Depot. You can also pick them up at Walmart priced lower than Best Buy or CC. Stay away from Monster Cable. Please.

 

[Emaxx3]

Thanks for the info...

I found this Samsung DVD-HD850 which looks great for under $150 and
includes a HDMI cable! Thoughts?

Buckeyefan... when you say the Polks and Klipschs are on different continents... will the Polks be better? I realize that a 4 ohm speaker requires more power to sound good at higher volumes.... correct? My scene is not to listen at very high levels (wife likes lower volume, so I guess I do too!) Would I be better off with the 2500 and the Polks? And for louder listening in the future I would need a seperate amp? Another option would be the Polk Monitor 70s. These sounded pretty close to the RTi10s to me. Are these 4 ohm speakers?

I am also going to take the advice and go with the Velodyne DPS Series DPS-12. This looks like a nice choice. Thanks!!!!

Still reading and learning.... lots to learn here! Thanks for everything guys! Much appreciated.

Later!
Jon

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I found this Samsung DVD-HD850 which looks great for under $150 and
includes a HDMI cable! Thoughts?

Perfect. I recommended a similar one (last years model) being sold on Amazon for $59 (DVD-HD841). That may suffice as well.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009MD8ZI/104-8060217-9334351?v=glance&s=electronics&vi=reviews

Buckeyefan... when you say the Polks and Klipschs are on different continents... will the Polks be better?

Only with a separate amp. You'll never hear the dual 7" woofers with the receivers you're looking at. You might as well get the Rti6's on stands, and enjoy better output. If you can tolerate the horn in the Klipsch at low levels, they are a better choice for your setup. I would also recommend (for floorstanders) Athena's Audition series. They are a little smoother in the highs, and highly acclaimed at their price point. They aren't as sensitive as the Klipsch, but may be more musical. For HT, I'd go with Klipsch.

I realize that a 4 ohm speaker requires more power to sound good at higher volumes.... correct? My scene is not to listen at very high levels (wife likes lower volume, so I guess I do too!) Would I be better off with the 2500 and the Polks? And for louder listening in the future I would need a seperate amp?

Correct. Low levels are even more important. The 2500 is not meant to drive 4 ohm speakers (as are most sub $1500 receivers), period. I'd shy away from them if I were you.

Another option would be the Polk Monitor 70s. These sounded pretty close to the RTi10s to me. Are these 4 ohm speakers?

I don't know for sure. Those are some crazy towers. 4 6.5" woofers and mid-woofers crossed over at 2.6kHz and 2.6kHz, cascade tapered 2nd order. My guess is they are 4 ohm, due to their biampability. If you took off the jumpers, you'd eliminate the bottom two woofers, and would have two 8 ohms speakers. That speaker is basically an RTi8 with another set of 6.5" woofers below. I would never buy another Polk speaker without taking a multi-meter in with me while demo'ing. I love the sound of my system, but I'm not happy with the misinformation on the website. My CSi5 and RTi4 reads 6 ohms, while my FXi3 reads 8. How do you balance those with 4 ohm towers?

 

[Emaxx3]

Hi all.... seems like time is flying by.
Here is the update, purchased all the equipment and it is scheduled for this Saturday delivery (I am moving into the my new house on Saturday too.... busy day). Hi-Def cable box w/ DVR will be picked up today, cable guy supposed to stop by this Sunday to do his thing.

Here is the list that I finally bought:
Mitsubishi 62” DLP (67275)
Klipsch Reference 35s (Fronts)
Klipsch Reference RC35 (Center)
Klipsch R2650C (rears, in ceiling)
Velodyne DPS Series DPS-12 (Sub) this thing is pretty big!
Yamaha RXV2500 (receiver)
TV Stand: (got the right Mitsubishi one on clearance for $100! )
Harmony Remote 880
Can't remember the DVD player... $142 one w/ included HDMI cable, I guess this is a suprise for Saturday.
Power Center Monster MKII

So, I need to pick up the cables to hook everything up. I'll probably end up making a list on Saturday night or Sunday and run over to the store and buy the rest. I plan on the Home Depot speaker cable, need to run to the center and two fronts from the receiver. Sales guy was trying to talk me into spending $200 for these three cables (Monster).

I did pick up from Frys the sub cable (Monster... fell into the trap) and 2 optical audio cables (cheap ones $11 each). I need to get some component cables... I don't know how many to buy until I unpack the boxes. If someone chimes in with the list of required cables for my setup I would be eternally greatful. I'll want to pick these up local.

I'll let you all know how it goes next week... hope to have everything running on Sunday. Football season approaches!! YEAH!!!!!!!!

Anyway, thanks for all the great advice!
Late!
Jon

 

[jcPanny]

Emaxx3,
It sounds like you have an HDMI DVD player that will connect directly to the TV. You will probably need the following cabels to hook up your setup:
1 Component video cable (cable box to TV)
4 pairs (8 wires) of RCA audio cables for SACD (DVD to Receiver) ? ? ?
1 Pair of RCA audio cables (CD player to Receiver) ? ? ?

Already purchased:
1 HDMI cable (DVD to TV)
2 Optical audio cables (DVD to receiver, Cable box to receiver)
1 subwoofer cable

Good luck and give us some feedback on the performance of your new HT.

 

[Emaxx3]

Am I STUPID?!?!?!?!

Ok... I want to preface this post withthe fact that I feel I am reasonably intelligent. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and I feel that I can do most things.

However.... I started to unpack all my AV gear last night and pulled out the manuals and cables and started to get the shakes. I felt like a first year college student taking calc three. While I may figure it out eventually, it will take some serious work.

I called a buddy who recommended taking it slow... hook one thing up at a time and get it working. Sounds like good advice so that is what I do. I start with the high def cable box. Took me three hours to get it working right including three calls to the cable company. They still need to come out next week to trouble shoot a couple channels and possibly boost the signal power or something.

Well now I can watch TV with my new TV. WOW!!!! HD kicks! Next I plan to integrate the front and center speakers with the receiver... should take me 10 hours or so! Interconnecting and programming all this stuff takes some patience.

Oh well.... I will overcome!!!
Late!
Jon

 

[Tomorrow]

Ok... I want to preface this post withthe fact that I feel I am reasonably intelligent. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and I feel that I can do most things.

However.... I started to unpack all my AV gear last night and pulled out the manuals and cables and started to get the shakes. I felt like a first year college student taking calc three. While I may figure it out eventually, it will take some serious work.

I called a buddy who recommended taking it slow... hook one thing up at a time and get it working. Sounds like good advice so that is what I do. I start with the high def cable box. Took me three hours to get it working right including three calls to the cable company. They still need to come out next week to trouble shoot a couple channels and possibly boost the signal power or something.

Well now I can watch TV with my new TV. WOW!!!! HD kicks! Next I plan to integrate the front and center speakers with the receiver... should take me 10 hours or so! Interconnecting and programming all this stuff takes some patience.

Oh well.... I will overcome!!!
Late!
Jon

And Jon, when you're all done, you can come back in here and share your new-found expertise with the newbies AND us notsonewbies who are still confused. The stage you're in has caused me to despise all electronics manual writers....as in "what???!!! is this saying??) LOL. Good luck. Sounds like you have a wonderful system that you should enjoy for years! (But be careful....you hang around these guys long enough, you catch 'upgraditis'. It's a t e r r i b l e affliction!)

 

[Emaxx3]

Oh yeah.... another thing... the entertainment unit I had from the old days doesn't hold this HUGE mamba jamma receiver. Now I need to pick up an AV rack on the way home. BB here I come!

Upgraditis.... I am already thinking of the next room to do.

Late!
Jon